Snakes on a politician: Pythons come to Queensland Parliament

Depending on who you talk to, snakes aren't an uncommon sight in the Queensland Parliament.

But pythons are another matter.

Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles was right at home with this green python.

Photo: Chris Hyde

Two green pythons, rescued from a poaching operation, found themselves face-to-face with Queensland politicians on Wednesday, as the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection and police highlighted their ongoing concerns with the illegal practice.

The snakes, which usually call Cape York home, held up admirably under the political and media scrutiny.

Environment Minister Steven Miles, who also had his three children in the audience, was not quite as calm and collected.

Advertisement

But the snakes, despite their rescue, won't be returning home any time soon.

Their forced captivity prevented their return to the wild, with environment officers worried about potential diseases.

The pythons can fetch up to $3000 on the black market, with Europe, particularly Germany, and the United States popular markets for the illegal activity.

Poachers face fines of up to $353,400, or two years in prison.

Mr Miles said his new reptile acquaintances – It would be too soon to call them friends – were recovered as part of an on-going joint operation between EHP and police.

Last year, EHP successfully prosecuted 13 cases. Anyone who has seen a protected native animal in captivity is asked to contact the authorities.